Cyclical ketosis simply means you are going in and out of keto on a weekly basis.
Highlights
- A ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrate, moderate protein and high in fat
- Cyclical keto diet involves intake of high amounts of carbs once a week
- This keto diet has been followed by bodybuilders and athletes
Are you struggling to lose weight with keto diet? Don't worry! Maybe you should consider the cyclical ketogenic diet to get rid of those extra kilos. A ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrate, moderate protein and high in fat. A ketogenic diet trains the body metabolism to run off of fatty acids or ketone bodies. This diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. This further leads to improved muscle development and fat metabolism. A standard ketogenic diet includes avocados, starchy vegetables, chicken, meat, high-fat dairy products, healthy nuts and seeds, butter, cheese and olive oil.
Also read: If You Are On A Keto Diet You Must Eat This Vegetable
Cyclical ketosis simply means you are going in and out of keto on a weekly basis. Also known as carb cycling, a cyclical keto diet involves intake of high amounts of carbohydrates once a week. The other six days of low-carb keto are similar to the standard keto diet. When you follow the cyclical keto diet, you eat lots of healthy fat and very few carbs, 5 to 6 days of the week. On day 7 or any other day in between, you increase your carb intake. The purpose of cyclical ketogenic diet is to utilize anabolic hormones like insulin to gain muscle strength and to replenish your glycogen storage to lift heavier weights. The best part of cyclical ketogenic dieting is you lose weight quickly and receive an increase in athletic performance by consuming carbohydrates for one to two days (usually on the weekends) while still receiving the benefits of ketosis the rest of the week.
Maybe you should consider the cyclical ketogenic diet to get rid of those extra kilos.
Photo Credit: iStock
Top health benefits of cyclical ketogenic diet:
1. Fiber:
Constipation is a common complaint among those following a keto diet. This is because some people struggle to obtain enough fiber when eating a high-fat and very low-carb diet which leads to constipation. In a cyclical ketogenic diet, high-fiber carbs, such as oats, sweet potatoes, beans and quinoa are allowed.
2. Muscle growth:
This keto diet has been followed by bodybuilders and athletes for a long time. The best part about cyclical ketogenic diet is it promotes lean muscle growth with adequate carb cycles. The diet tries to build lean body mass without getting fat.
3. Satisfying carb-cravings:
The standard ketosis diet is not for everyone. Adding clean carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, squash, and white rice once a week helps your body function properly. Your brain, your body, and your joints will all benefit from cyclical ketosis.
Also read: Keto Diet: These 7 Fats Must Be Included In Your Keto Diet
Foods to eat while on a cyclical ketogenic diet:
- Sweet potatoes
- White or brown rice
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- Whole wheat bread
- Whole wheat pasta
- Butternut squash
- Beets
- Yams
- Multigrain cereal
- Beans
- Lentils
The standard ketosis diet is not for everyone.
Photo Credit: iStock
Foods to avoid while on a cyclical ketogenic diet:
- Fruit juice
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- White bread
- White flour
- Refined grains
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Candies
Avoid added sugar as far as possible
Photo Credit: iStock
Also read: 7 Fruits You Can Enjoy On A Keto Diet
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.